The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said pilots’ licensing and medical certification will henceforth be linked to the National Identity Number (NIN) through its newly launched digital system.

The integration of the registration procedures to the NIN is expected to curb fraud, boost security, save time, and streamline paperwork.

NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, announced this at the launch of EMPIC Personnel Licensing and Medical Certification (PEL/MED) and a stakeholder engagement yesterday in Abuja.

The NCAA boss said the digital platform would strengthen regulatory effectiveness, advance safety oversight, and enable operational excellence in the industry.

He said the new initiative would be fully operational on April 2, next year, after adequate engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Najomo said: “For many years, the aviation sector relied on manual and semi-digital processes for licensing and medical certification. While these processes served their purpose, the increasing complexity of our industry, the demand for real-time regulatory oversight, and the expectations of a modern aviation workforce necessitated a shift toward a more robust and technology-driven approach.

“The deployment of the EMPIC PEL/MED system, a globally recognised, ICAO-aligned software for aviation regulators, is a demonstration of our commitment to adopting world-class digital tools to support Nigeria’s aviation growth. It represents a fundamental modernisation of the way we manage licensing, medical certification, inspector oversight, data integrity, and industry compliance

“With this system, stakeholders will now experience a fully digital licensing and medical certification process with improved turnaround times, a unified platform for applicants, inspectors, ATOs, AAMEs, and operators to engage seamlessly with the authority and greater transparency and accountability, supported by traceable workflows and audit trails.”

Announcing when the system wouldbe fully operational, Najomo said: “The full operationalisation of EMPIC PEL/MED will take place on April 2, 2026.

“This phased approach is deliberate and necessary to ensure system stability, stakeholder preparedness, data integrity, and regulatory continuity. Between now and the formal operationalisation date, NCAA will complete final data validation and migration activities, and stakeholders will undergo continued onboarding and user support.

“Upon operationalisation on April 2, 2026, EMPIC PEL/MED will become the official and mandatory platform for all applicable personnel licensing and aviation medical certification transactions, in accordance with NCAA regulations.

“This is part of our broader vision to create a modern aviation environment that is competitive, efficient, and compliant with global best practices.”

Najomo urged stakeholders to actively participate in the post-Go-Live transition activities and prepare for full adoption upon operationalisation.

The NCAA boss added that the transition would ensure a smooth, transparent, and internationally aligned regulatory environment.

The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Godwin Balang, said the system has lots of quality assurances to guard against mistakes.

He also said there would be four biometric data centres in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano for easy access by operators and other stakeholders. (The Nation)